Fluid resistant silicone encapsulant

ABSTRACT

A cross-linkable and cross-linked organosilicon polymer which is prepared from a mixture of a reactive polysiloxane resin having both reactive carbon-carbon double bonds and silicone-hydrogen groups, characterized by alternating structures of polycyclic polyene residue and cyclic (or tetrahedral) polysiloxane residue, and either vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane or vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane. In an alternative embodiment, the polymer comprises a mixture of vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane and vinyl functional fluorosilicone elastomer with the cross-linkable and cross linked organosilicon polymer.

This application is a divisional of pending patent application Ser. No. 09/993,589 filed Nov. 6, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,841,647.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a fluid resistant silicone encapsulant in the form of a cross-linked and cross-linkable organosilicon polymer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known in the art to prepare cross-linked and cross-linkable silicone elastomers which are mainly comprised of two types of liquid polysiloxanes; one having vinyl (or general C═C) attached to the main chain and the other having hydrogen directly attached to silicone atoms. The addition curing (or crosslinking) reaction to form elastomeric materials occurs through hydrosilation in the presence of platinum or other metal-containing catalysts under room temperature or heating conditions. The substitution groups attached to the silicone chain can be methyl, phenyl, or fluoroalkyl (mostly trifluoropropyl). The fluoroalkyl substituted silicone (fluorosilicone) generally displays good chemical resistance and is commonly used as coating, potting or encapsulation material to protect electric/electronic components and assemblies.

The preparation of curable organosilicon prepolymers or cross-linked thermosetting polymers through a hydrosilation reaction of polycyclic polyene (providing an active C═C) and reactive cyclic polysiloxane or tetrahedral siloxysilane (providing SiH) in the presence of platinum-containing catalysts under heating is also known in the art. The resulting fully cross-linked materials display high rigidity and brittleness, a relatively high T_(g), very high temperature resistance, water insensitivity and oxidation resistance. Examples of these types of polymers are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,902,731 and 4,877,820.

Attempts have been made to reduce the brittleness and rigidity and increase the toughness of such polymers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,817 discloses such an organosilicone polymer in which reactive siloxane elastomers having carbon-carbon double bonds are added to the composition to form discontinuous phases in the rigid continuous polymer matrix after curing. For example, unsaturated diphenyl dimethyl siloxane elastomers are utilized to increase toughness and adhesion without reducing any of the other properties of the polymer. U.S. Pat. No. 5,196,498 discloses the use of a second silicone as a modifier to reduce the viscosity and brittleness of the crosslinked polymers. The second silicone compound, which has reactive hydrocarbyl group, is a cyclic siloxane and most preferably tetravinyltetramethyl cyclotetrasiloxane or pentavinylpentamethyl cyclopentasiloxane.

Accordingly, it would be advantageous for a polymer to have certain properties of known polymers without the brittleness and high rigidity that are usually associated therewith. It would be further advantageous for the polymer to have high acid and fuel resistance such that it would be suitable for use in fields which require polymers having more flexibility.

One potential use of such polymers is in the automotive industry as an encapsulant for items such as sensors, and especially as an encapsulant for pressure sensors. Such encapsulants must have an extremely high resistance to acids and fuels. For example, two fuels commonly utilized for material evaluation by the automobile industry, Fuel C and Fuel CM85, both cause polymer degradation to many known polymers. Fuel C is a hydrocarbon fuel which is approximately 50% by volume isooctane and 50% by volume toluene. Fuel CM85 comprises Fuel C containing 85% by volume methanol. In addition many materials are tested by the automotive industry for their resistance to used synthetic oil, which also causes polymer degradation. For the purpose of this patent, this is defined as Mobile 1 Oil, which has been used to lubricate an automotive engine for a minimum of 3,000 miles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a cross-linkable and cross-linked organosilicon polymer which is prepared from a mixture of a reactive polysiloxane resin having both reactive carbon-carbon double bonds and silicone-hydrogen groups, characterized by alternating structures of polycyclic polyene residue and cyclic polysiloxane (or tetrahedral siloxysilane) residue, hereafter referred to as a silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agent, and either a vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane or a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane. In an alternative embodiment, the polymer comprises a mixture of vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane and vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane and the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Upon exposure to harsh environments, such as those associated with fuels and/or acids and/or extreme temperatures, fluorosilicone and phenyl silicone polymers can breakdown and degrade. Consequently, elastomers comprising either material only provide moderate resistance to degradation upon exposure to fuels and/or acids and/or extreme temperatures. A combination of phenyl-silicone and/or fluorosilicone with certain forms of cross-linking agents has been found to result in a polymer which maintains its elastomeric properties during and after exposure to fuels and acids. Specifically, a vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane and/or a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane have been shown to be effective when combined with silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agents. Exemplary vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxanes include Nusil PLY-7801, Nusil PLY (1-5)-7580, supplied by Nusil Technology, 1050 Cindy Lane, Carpinteria, Calif. 93013 and Gelest FMV-4031, supplied by Gelest, Inc., Tullytown, Pa. 19007-6308, USA. Exemplary vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxanes include Nusil PLY (1-5)-7560, Nusil PLY-7664, Nusil PLY-7450, supplied by Nusil Technology; Gelest PMV-9925, Gelest PDV-0325, Gelest PDV-0331, Gelest PDV-0341, Gelest PDV-0346, Gelest PDV -0525, Gelest PDV-0541, Gelest PDV-1625, Gelest PDV-1631, Gelest PDV 1635, Gelest PDV-1641, Gelest PDV-2331, Gelest PDV-2335, supplied by Gelest, Inc; Andersil SF 1421; Andersil SF 1712; supplied by Anderson & Associates LLC., Summit, N.J. The reaction of many standard cross-linking agents, such as linear hydrosiloxane chain crosslinkers with either dimethyl or 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl substitution, with the polysiloxanes described above results in polymers with little or only moderate fuel and acid resistance. It has been determined that combining vinyl-terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane or vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane with a silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agent, provides a polymer with superior resistance to the harsh conditions imposed by fuels and acids.

Exemplary silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agents are comprised of a cyclic or linear poly(organohydrosiloxane) having at least 30% of its silicon-hydrogen groups reacted with hydrocarbon residues derived from polycyclic polyenes. Numerous examples of poly(organohydrosiloxane) are known. One exemplary poly(organohydrosiloxane) is methylhydrocyclosiloxane, examples of typical structures include

with typically D4 (n=4) and D5 (n=5). Further exemplary poly(organohydrosiloxanes) include Tetra- and penta-methylcyclotetrasiloxane; tetra, penta, hexa and hepta-methylcyclopentasiloxane; tetra-, penta- and hexa-methylcyclohexasiloxane; tetraethyl cyclotetrasiloxanes and tetraphenyl cyclotetrasiloxane; or blends thereof. Exemplary linear siloxanes include tetrakisdimethylsiloxysilane, tetrakisdiphenylsiloxysilane, and tetrakisdiethylsiloxysilane.

The silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agents used in this invention are formed by the hydrosilation reaction of the poly(organohydrosiloxane) with a polycyclic polyene. The stoichiometric ratio of carbon-carbon double bonds to silicon-hydrogen linkages can be in the range of about 2:1 to 1:4. A preferred range is about 1:1. Useful cyclic polyenes are polycyclic hydrocarbon compounds having at least two non-aromatic, non-conjugated carbon-to-carbon double bonds. Exemplary compounds are well known in the art, and include cyclopentadiene oligomers such as dicyclopentadiene, and tricyclopentadiene,

Further exemplary compounds include the Diels-Alder oligomers of the dicyclopentadiene and tricyclopentadiene species described above and substituted derivatives of the dicyclopentadiene and tricyclopentadiene species described above including dimethanohexahydronapthalene, methyl dicyclopentadiene; and any mixture of these compounds.

An exemplary silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agent has the following structure

Hereafter, this molecule will be referred to as crosslinker SC-1. A further exemplary silicon hydrogen crosslinking agent has the following structure

In a preferred formulation, the resulting polymer comprises about 64 to 99 wt % and most preferably about 77 to 90 wt % of a vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane, which is about 20 to 90 mol % and most preferably about 20-60 mol % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups, and about 1 to 36 wt % and most preferably about 10 to 23 wt % of the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agent described above. The resulting polymers are cross-linked silicone gels with the inherent elastomeric and high temperature properties of gel silicones, accompanied by superior strength and toughness. The resulting polymers additionally demonstrate excellent fuel resistance and good acid resistance. Materials of this type are useful as coating, potting or encapsulant materials to protect electric/electronic components and assemblies.

In another preferred formulation, the resulting polymer comprises about 1 to 40 wt % and most preferably 1-20 wt % of a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane, which is about 20 to 90 mol % and most preferably about 20-60 mol% substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups, and about 60 to 99 wt % and most preferably about 80 to 99 wt % of the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agent described above. The resulting polymer is a cross-linked, rigid silicone which demonstrates reduced brittleness and improved toughness compared to the fully cross linked silicon hydrocarbon material. Furthermore the resulting polymer demonstrates increased hydrophobicity and lippophobicity indicating that this material will also exhibit resistance to fuels, oils and acids. This type of material is useful for the protective encapsulation of electric/electronic components where strength, toughness and mechanical stability are required.

In another preferred formulation, the resulting polymer comprises about 20 to 99 wt % and most preferably about 60 to 99 wt % of a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane, which is about 1 to 40 mol % and most preferably about 2 to 20 mol % phenyl substituted, and about 1 to 80 wt % and most preferably about 1 to 40 wt % of the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agent described above. The resulting polymers are a range of cross-linked silicones which vary in hardness from soft gels to elastomers and rigid materials. The gel materials demonstrate superior strength and toughness while retaining the flexibility normally associated with this type of material. The rigid materials demonstrate a degree of flexibility and resilience beyond that expected of typical rigid elastomers. Both categories of material have been shown to be resistant to acid and alcohol based fuels. Materials of this type are useful as coating, potting or encapsulant materials to protect electric/electronic components and assemblies.

In another preferred formulation, the resulting polymer comprises about 64 to 99 wt % and most preferably about 77 to 90 wt % of a blend of a vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane and a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane and about 1 to 36 wt % and most preferably about 10 to 23 wt % of the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agent described above. The blend of of vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane and a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane comprises about 70 to 99 wt % and most preferably about 80 to 99 wt % of a vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane, which is about 20 to 90 mol % and most preferably about 20 to 60 mol % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups, and about 1 to 30 wt % and most preferably 1 to 20 wt % of a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane, which is 1 to 40 mol % and most preferably about 2 to 20 mol % phenyl substituted. The resulting polymers are flexible cross-linked gels. The polymers would be expected to demonstrate similar levels of fuel, oil and acid resistance seen from the fluorosilicone in combination with the silicon hydrocarbon cross linker and the phenylsilicone in combination with the silicon hydrocarbon cross linker. Such polymers would also be expected to be useful as encapsulants, coatings and sealants for the automotive, avionics and general electronics markets.

The vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane and/or the vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane and the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agents are combined via an addition-cure reaction. The vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane is blended with a group VIII metal catalyst and a crosslinking agent. Exemplary group VIII metal catalysts include platinum based compounds including chloroplatinic acid, platinum chloride, dibenzonitrile platinum dichloride, platinum on carbon, platinum on silica, platinum on alumina and olefinic complexes. Further exemplary group VIII metal catalysts include rhodium based compounds, including RhCl(PPh₃)₃, RhCI(CO)(PPh₃)₂, ruthenium based compounds, including Ru₃(CO)₁₂, Iridium based compounds, including IrCl(CO)(PPh₃)₄ and paladium based compounds, including Pd(PPh₃)₄. Various additives may be added to the compositions of the inventions in order to enhance their practical usage. Useful additives include materials which are added for the purpose of enhancing the stability and flow properties of the formulation, materials which are added to control the reactivity of the formulation and further materials which are added to enhance the final application, for example adhesion, of the product. Specifically, these additives include fillers, which may be metallic, mineral or organic materials, compatibilizers, flow control agents, air release agents, cure rate modifiers, adhesion promoters and anti-oxidants. The formulation ingredients are blended together mechanically by different mixing methods to achieve uniform blends and de-aerated under vacuum. The resulting blend is placed in a mold suitable for the preparation of test pieces and cured at a temperature of 100 to 150° C. and a time of several minutes to several hours and most preferably a temperature of 130 to 150° C. and a time of 1 to 2 hours.

EXAMPLES

The invention can be illustrated by the following examples.

Examples 1 to 3 include gels prepared from a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane and the silicon hydrocarbon cross linking agent.

Example 1

An encapsulant polymer gel was prepared from a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane which is 50 mol % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups and the silicon hydrocarbon cross linking agent described above, via a two-part process. To prepare the first part, a mixing vessel equipped with a low shear stirrer was charged with 50 wt % of compound A, which is the vinyl terminated polysiloxane, given in Table 1. With low speed stirring, compound B, which is the group VIII metal catalyst and other additives, given in Table 1 were added to the mixing vessel and blended for a period of 5-30 minutes at room temperature. Entrapped air was removed from the resulting blend by evacuating the mixture in a vacuum chamber capable of providing a vacuum of 29 mmHg. To prepare the second part, a further mixing vessel equipped with a low shear stirrer was charged with the remaining 50 wt % of compound A, which is the vinyl terminated polysiloxane, given in Table 1. With low speed stirring, compound C, which is the cross linking agent, was added to the reaction vessel and blended for a period of 5 to 30 minutes at room temperature. Entrapped air was removed from the resulting blend by evacuating the mixture in a vacuum chamber capable of providing a vacuum of 29 mmHg. The two parts thus prepared were mixed. The reaction mixture containing compounds A and B was added to the reaction mixture containing compounds A and C and mixed for 5 to 30 minutes at room temperature. Entrapped air was removed from the resulting blend by evacuating the mixture in a vacuum chamber capable of providing a vacuum of 29 mmHg. The resulting blend was poured into molds suitable for making test pieces and cured at 150° C. for 1 hour.

TABLE 1 Compound Material Amount A Nusil PLY-7801 (%) 85.8 B Baysilone U Catalyst PT/L (%) 0.3 A-187 (%) 1.0 C SC-1 (%) 12.9

Baysilone U Catalyst PT/L is a group VIII catalyst supplied by GE Silicones, 260 Hudson River Road, Waterford, N.Y. 12188. A187 is a silane adhesion promoter supplied by OSi Specialties Inc., PO Box 38002, South Charleston, W. Va., 25303.

Specimens were cut from each cured piece and measured for physical properties according to ASTM D2240 and ASTM D 412 (using Die D to cut the pieces and a tensile rate of 20inch/minute) and adhesion properties according to ASTM D-413-82 (type B 90°, peel rate 0.2 inches per minute) with the results shown below.

Hardness (Shore 00) 40 Tensile Strength (psi) 56 Elongation (%) 420 Adhesion to PPS (J/m²) 149 Adhesion to Gold (J/m²) 175 Note: In general values associated with hardness, tensile strength, % elongation, toughness and adhesion are subject to approximately a 10% experimental error.

Specimens were also examined for heat resistance according to ASTM D 573 and chemical resistance according to ASTM D 471, part 15.4.1 (using Die D). The results are shown in Tables 2 to 5.

TABLE 2 Heat at 180° C. Time (hours) Initial 200 400 Hardness (Shore 00) 40 62 69 Weight change (%) — −0.5% −1.66

TABLE 3 Fuel C and Fuel CM 85 for 200 hours at 25° C. Fuel C Fuel CM 85 Tensile strength retention (%) 164 126 Elongation retention (%) 146 125 Adhesion to PPS retention (%) 159 146 Adhesion to gold retention (%) 150 120

TABLE 4 Mobil 1 Oil at 140° C. Time (hours) 200 400 600 Tensile strength retention (%) 112 90 110 Elongation retention (%) 121 102 102 Adhesion to PPS retention (%) 85 82 83 Weight gain (%) +2.3 +2.7 —

TABLE 5 Nitric and sulfuric acid at pH 1.6 and 85° C. Nitric acid Sulfuric acid Time (hours) 620 1000 620 1000 Tensile strength 104 121 122 100 retention (%) Elongation 83 95 92 80 retention (%) Adhesion to 100 84 106 106 PPS retention (%) Adhesion to 88 80 73 87 gold retention (%)

The performance properties detailed above describing Example 1 illustrate that this vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane in combination with the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinker is a soft gel material with excellent strength, flexibility and adhesion properties. Moreover, excellent retention of these properties is observed on exposure of this material to fuels, oils and acids.

Example 2

Example 2 represents four formulations which demonstrate that similar properties to the material described in Example 1 can be achieved for a range of levels of the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinker. Encapsulant polymer gels were prepared from varying ratios of a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane which is 50 mol % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups and the silicon hydrocarbon cross linking agent described above. Materials in Example 2 were formulated according to the method described in Example 1, via a two part process. Compound B shown in Table 6 was blended with 50 wt % of compound A. Compound C shown in Table 6 was blended with the remaining 50 wt % of compound A. The two parts were mixed, de-aerated, poured into molds suitable for making test pieces and cured at 150° C. for 1 hour.

TABLE 6 Compound Material Ex 2.1 Ex 2.2 Ex 2.3 Ex 2.4 A Nusil 93.70 86.67 81.70 75.70 PLY-7801 (%) B PT-L (%) 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 C SC-1 (%) 6.00 13.03 18.00 24.00

Specimens were cut from each cured piece and measured for physical properties according to ASTM D2240 and ASTM D 412 (using Die D to cut the pieces and a tensile rate of 20 inch/minute) with the results shown below.

Ex 2.1 Ex 2.2 Ex 2.3 Ex 2.4 Hardness 56 59 63 65 (Shore 00) Tensile 45.39 77.79 106.4 70.68 strength (psi) Elongation (%) 210.7 218.8 194.9 139.5 Toughness 41.07 66.09 85.43 47.44 (in. lbs/in³)

Specimens were also examined for heat resistance according to ASTM D 573 and chemical resistance according to ASTM D 471, part 15.4.2, (using Die D). The results are shown in Tables 7 to 10.

TABLE 7 Heat for 200 hours at 180° C. Ex 2.1 Ex 2.2 Ex 2.3 Ex 2.4 Hardness 69 69.5 72 74 (Shore 00) Tensile strength 152 137 110 106 retention (%) Elongation 58 58 54 44 retention (%) Toughness 94 77 63 42 retention (%)

TABLE 8 Fuel C for 200 hours at 25° C. Ex 2.1 Ex 2.2 Ex 2.3 Ex 2.4 Hardness 57 59 63.5 65 (Shore 00) Tensile strength 134 120 122 114 retention (%) Elongation 107 105 104 106 retention (%) Toughness 178 145 133 118 retention (%)

TABLE 9 Fuel CM 85 for 200 hours at 25° C. Ex 2.1 Ex 2.2 Ex 2.3 Ex 2.4 Hardness 56.5 59 63 65 (Shore 00) Tensile strength 117 94 118 120 retention (%) Elongation 107 96 106 108 retention (%) Toughness 139 100 125 123 retention (%)

TABLE 10 Nitric acid for 120 hours at pH 1.0, 85° C. Ex 2.1 Ex 2.2 Ex 2.3 Ex 2.4 Hardness — 60 65 64 (Shore 00) Tensile strength — 105 111 88 retention (%) Elongation — 97 99 89 retention (%) Toughness — 99 104 80 retention (%)

Example 3

Example 3 represents a further formulation which demonstrates that similar properties to the material described in Example 1 can be achieved for vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxanes with alternative levels of 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl substitution. An encapsulant polymer gel was prepared from a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane which is 40 mol % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups and the silicon hydrocarbon cross linking agent described above. The material in Example 3 was formulated according to the method described in Example 1, via a two part process. Compound B shown in Table 11 was blended with 50 wt % of compound A. Compound C shown in Table 11 was blended with the remaining 50 wt % of compound A. The two parts were mixed, de-aerated, poured into molds suitable for making test pieces and cured at 150° C. for 1 hour.

TABLE 11 Compound Material A FMV-4031 (%) 81.70 B PT-L (%) 0.30 C SC-1 (%) 18.00 Specimens were cut from each cured piece and measured for physical properties according to ASTM D2240 and ASTM D 412 (using Die D to cut the pieces and a tensile rate of 20 inch/minute) with the results shown below.

Hardness (Shore 00) 60 Tensile strength (psi) 89 Elongation (%) 268 Toughness (in. lbs/in³) 104 Specimens were also examined for heat resistance according to ASTM D 573 and chemical resistance according to ASTM D 471, part 15.4.2, (using Die D). The results are shown in Table 12.

TABLE 12 Heat and chemical resistance Heat Fuel C Fuel CM 85 Nitric acid Conditions 180° C. 25° C. 25° C. pH 1.0, 85° C. Time (hours) 200 200 200 120 Hardness 67 62 61 63 (Shore 00) Tensile strength 139 91 93 119 retention (%) Elongation 53 93 97 97 retention (%) Toughness 67 94 94 107 retention (%)

Comparative Example 1

A further encapsulant polymer gel was prepared from a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane which is 50 mol % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups and a cross linking agent that is a linear hydrosiloxane with dimethyl substitution, Masil XL-1, supplied by PPG Industries Inc., Specialty Chemicals, 3938 Poreft Drive, Gurnee, Ill. 60031. A further encapsulant polymer gel was prepared from a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane which is 50 mol % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups and a cross linking agent that is a linear hydrosiloxane with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl substitution, SMP 9951-22, supplied by Nusil Technology, 1050 Cindy Lane, Carpinteria, Calif. 93013. Materials in Comparative Example 1 were formulated according to the method described in Example 1, via a two part process. Compound B shown in Table 13 was blended with 50 wt % of compound A. Compound C shown in Table 13 was blended with the remaining 50 wt % of compound A. The two parts were mixed, de-aerated, poured into molds suitable for making test pieces and cured at 150° C. for 1 hour.

TABLE 13 Compound Material CEx 1.1 CEx 1.2 A Nusil PLY-7801 (%) 81.70 81.70 B PT-L (%) 0.30 0.30 C Masil XL-1 (%) 18.00 — SMP 9951-22 (%) — 18.00 Specimens were cut from each cured piece and measured for physical properties according to ASTM D2240 and ASTM D 412 (using Die D to cut the pieces and a tensile rate of 20 inch/minute) with the results shown below.

CEx 1.1 CEx 1.2 Hardness (Shore 00) 59 46 Tensile strength (psi) 38 35 Elongation (%) 117 236 Toughness (in. lbs/in³) 39 49 Specimens were also examined for heat resistance according to ASTM D 573 and chemical resistance according to ASTM D 471, part 15.4.2, (using Die D). The results are shown in Tables 14 to 17.

TABLE 14 Heat for 200 hours at 180° C. CEx 1.1 CEx 1.2 Hardness (Shore 00) 73 54 Tensile strength retention (%) 108 45 Elongation retention (%) 37 50 Toughness retention (%) 14 6

TABLE 15 Fuel C for 200 hours at 25° C. CEx 1.1 CEx 1.2 Hardness (Shore 00) 62.5 53 Tensile strength retention (%) 83 64 Elongation retention (%) 87 71 Toughness retention (%) 40 36

TABLE 16 Fuel CM 85 for 200 hours at 25° C. CEx 1.1 CEx 1.2 Hardness (Shore 00) 61 45 Tensile strength retention (%) 94 75 Elongation retention (%) 69 86 Toughness retention (%) 44 56

TABLE 17 Nitric acid for 120 hours at pH 1.0, 85° C. CEx 1.1 CEx 1.2 Hardness (Shore 00) 53 42 Tensile strength retention (%) 28 67 Elongation retention (%) 110 94 Toughness retention (%) 8 44

The performance properties detailed above describing Comparative Example 1 illustrate that this vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane in combination with cross linking agents that are linear hydrosiloxanes with either dimethyl or 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl substitution are soft gel materials with inferior strength and toughness compared with Examples 1 to 3. Moreover these properties are observed to deteriorate on exposure of this material to both fuels and acids, indicating polymer degradation.

Example 4

Example 4 describes a range of rigid polymers prepared from a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane and the silicon hydrocarbon cross linking agent. These were prepared from varying ratios of a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane which is 50 mol % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups and the silicon hydrocarbon cross linking agent described above. Materials in Example 4 were formulated according to the method described in Example 1, via a two part process. Compound B shown in Table 18 was blended with 50 wt % of compound A. Compound C shown in Table 18 was blended with the remaining 50 wt % of compound A. The two parts were mixed and de-aerated.

TABLE 18 Compound Material Ex 4.1 Ex 4.2 Ex 4.3 Ex 4.4 A Nusil — 4.99 9.97 19.94 PLY-7801 (%) B PT-L (%) 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 C SC-1 (%) 99.70 94.72 89.73 79.76

Films coated on glass slides were prepared by drawing down material using 2 mil tape to define the film thickness. These films were cured at 150° C. for 1 hour. Contact angle data for water and toluene on the films were measured by the sessile drop method: a drop of the test fluid was placed onto the film surface in air and the contact angle was measured after ten seconds at 25° C., with the results shown below.

Ex 4.1 Ex 4.2 Ex 4.3 Ex 4.4 Hardness (Shore D) 71 68.3 64.3 62.3 Contact angle: Water 78° 78° 85° 86° Toluene  0° 23° 25° 30°

The performance properties detailed above describing Example 4 illustrate that the incorporation of this vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane with the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinker results in a rigid polymer with reduced hardness compared with the fully crosslinked silicon hydrocarbon material, thus the polymer would be expected to have reduced brittleness and improved toughness compared with the fully crosslinked silicon hydrocarbon material. Moreover, Example 4 demonstrates that this improved toughness is accompanied by an increase in contact angle for both water and toluene, indicating that the polymer has increased hydrophobicity and lippophobicity, thus the polymer would be expected to have improved resistance to fuels, oils and acids.

Examples 5 to 7 include elastomers prepared from a vinyl terminated phenyl substituted polysiloxanes and the silicon hydrocarbon cross linking agent.

Example 5

An encapsulant polymer elastomer was prepared from a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane which is 6 mol % substituted phenyl groups and the silicon hydrocarbon cross linking agent described above. The material in Example 5 was formulated according to the method described in Example 1, via a two part process. Compound B shown in Table 19 was blended with 50 wt % of compound A. Compound C shown in Table 19 was blended with the remaining 50 wt % of compound A. The two parts were mixed, de-aerated, poured into molds suitable for making test pieces and cured at 150° C. for 1 hour.

TABLE 19 Compound Material A Andersil SF 1721 (%) 86.9 B PT-L (%) 0.1 C SC-1 (%) 13.0 Specimens were cut from each cured piece and measured for physical properties according to ASTM D2240 and ASTM D 412 (using Die D to cut the pieces and a tensile rate of 20 inch/minute) and adhesion properties according to ASTM D-413-82 (type B 90°, peel rate 0.2 inches per minute) with the results shown below.

Hardness (Shore A) 14 Tensile Strength (psi) 130 Elongation (%) 285 Adhesion to PPS (J/m²) 121 Adhesion to Gold (J/m²) 86 Specimens were also examined for heat resistance according to ASTM D 573 and chemical resistance according to ASTM D 471, part 15.4.1 (using Die D). The results are shown in Tables 20 to 22.

TABLE 20 Heat at 180° C. Time (hours) initial 200 Hardness (Shore A) 14 28 Weight change (%) — −1.76

TABLE 21 Fuel CM 85 for 150-200 hours at 25° C. Fuel CM 85 Tensile strength retention (%) 78 Elongation retention (%) 94 Adhesion to gold retention (%) 124

TABLE 22 Sulfuric Acid at pH 1.6, at 85° C. Sulfuric acid Time (hours) 620 1000 Tensile strength retention (%) 69 95 Elongation retention (%) 77 166 Adhesion to gold retention (%) 122 122

The performance properties detailed above describing Example 5 illustrate that this vinyl terminated phenyl substituted polysiloxane in combination with the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinker is an elastomer with excellent strength and adhesion properties. Moreover, excellent retention of these properties is observed on exposure of this material to alcohol based fuels and acids.

Example 6

Example 6 represents a further formulation which demonstrates that similar properties to the material described in Example 5 can be achieved for an increased level of the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinker. An encapsulant polymer elastomer was prepared from a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane which is 6 mol % substituted with phenyl groups and the silicon hydrocarbon cross linking agent described above. The material in Example 6 was formulated according to the method described in Example 1, via a two part process. Compound B shown in Table 23 was blended with 50 wt % of compound A. Compound C shown in Table 23 was blended with the remaining 50 wt % of compound A. The two parts were mixed, de-aerated, poured into molds suitable for making test pieces and cured at 150° C. for 1 hour.

TABLE 23 Compound Material A Andsil SF 1721(%) 81.70 B PT-L (%) 0.30 C SC-1 (%) 18.00 Specimens were cut from each cured piece and measured for physical properties according to ASTM D2240 and ASTM D 412 (using Die D to cut the pieces and a tensile rate of 20 inch/minute) with the results shown below.

Hardness (Shore 00) 69 Tensile strength (psi) 126 Elongation (%) 172 Specimens were also examined for heat resistance according to ASTM D 573 and chemical resistance according to ASTM D 471, part 15.4.2 (using Die D). The results are shown in Table 24.

TABLE 24 Heat Fuel C Fuel CM 85 Nitric acid Conditions 180° C. 25° C. 25° C. pH 1.0, 85° C. Time (hours) 200 200 200 120 Hardness 81 70 68 70 (Shore 00) Tensile strength 211 122 101 132 retention (%) Elongation 46 106 90 87 retention (%)

The performance properties detailed above describing Example 6 illustrate that this vinyl terminated phenyl substituted polysiloxane in combination with an increased level of the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinker is an elastomer with excellent strength and adhesion properties. Moreover, excellent retention of these properties is observed on exposure of this material to fuels and acids.

Example 7

Example 7 represents six formulations which demonstrate that similar benefits observed for the materials described in Examples 5 and 6 can be achieved with vinyl terminated phenyl substituted polysiloxanes with alternative levels of phenyl substitution and for a range of levels of the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinker. Encapsulant polymer elastomers were prepared from varying ratios of a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane which is 15 mol % substituted phenyl groups and the silicon hydrocarbon cross linking agent described above. Materials in Example 7 were formulated according to the method described in Example 1, via a two part process. Compound B shown in Table 25 was blended with 50 wt % of compound A. Compound C shown in Table 25 was blended with the remaining 50 wt % of compound A. The two parts were mixed, de-aerated, poured into molds suitable for making test pieces and cured at 150° C. for 1 hour.

TABLE 25 Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Ex Compound Material 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.3 7.4 7.5 A Nusil 93.70 86.67 81.70 75.70 69.70 59.70 PLY-7664 (%) B PT-L (%) 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 C SC-1 (%) 6.00 13.03 18.00 24.00 30.00 40.00 Specimens were cut from each cured piece and measured for physical properties according to ASTM D2240 and ASTM D 412 (using Die D to cut the pieces and a tensile rate of 20 inch/minute with the results shown below.

Ex 7.1 Ex 7.2 Ex 7.3 Ex 7.3 Ex 7.4 Ex 7.5 Hardness 62.6 70.4 74.6 83.2 — — (Shore 00) Hardness — — — — 53 67 (Shore A) Tensile 40 142 197 482 523 672 strength (psi) Elongation (%) 180 173 131 131 95 64 Toughness 37 95 99 236 228 227 (in. lbs/in³) Specimens were also examined for heat resistance according to ASTM D 573 and chemical resistance according to ASTM D 471, part 15.4.2 (using Die D). The results are shown in Tables 26 to 29.

TABLE 26 Heat for 200 hours at 180° C. Ex 7.1 Ex 7.2 Ex 7.3 Ex 7.3 Ex 7.4 Ex 7.5 Hardness 72 82 86 90 — — (Shore 00) Hardness — — — — 77 87 (Shore A) Tensile 216 168 147 98 98 126 strength retention (%) Elongation 45 38 36 29 27 28 retention (%)

TABLE 27 Fuel C for 200 hours at 25° C. Ex 7.1 Ex 7.2 Ex 7.3 Ex 7.3 Ex 7.4 Ex 7.5 Hardness 60 71 71 82.5 — — (Shore 00) Hardness — — — — 77 87 (Shore A) Tensile 79 87 118 107 — — strength retention (%) Elongation 94 97 109 102 — — retention (%)

TABLE 28 Fuel CM 85 for 200 hours at 25° C. Ex 7.1 Ex 7.2 Ex 7.3 Ex 7.3 Ex 7.4 Ex 7.5 Hardness 61 71 75 85 — — (Shore 00) Hardness — — — — 54 69 (Shore A) Tensile 127 94 125 106 103 122 strength retention (%) Elongation 94 90 105 97 101 120 retention (%)

TABLE 29 Nitric acid for 120 hours at pH 1.0, 85° C. Ex 7.1 Ex 7.2 Ex 7.3 Ex 7.3 Ex 7.4 Ex 7.5 Hardness 62 73 77 85 — — (Shore 00) Hardness — — — — 59 77 (Shore A) Tensile 189 125 120 105 117 124 strength retention (%) Elongation 110 88 89 83 86 84 retention (%)

The performance properties detailed above describing Example 7 illustrate that this vinyl terminated phenyl substituted polysiloxane in combination with the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinker can be a soft gel material with excellent strength and toughness. Moreover, good retention of these properties is observed on exposing these materials to fuels and acids. The heat resistance of this material is equal to or better than a vinyl terminated phenyl substituted polysiloxane in combination with a cross linking agent that is a linear hydrosiloxane with dimethyl substitution (see Comparative Example 2). Furthermore, at increased levels of the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinker, more rigid materials are generated which demonstrate greatly increased levels of toughness while remaining flexible. Moreover, good retention of these properties is observed on exposing these materials to acids and alcohol based fuels.

Comparative Example 2

A further encapsulant polymer gel was prepared from a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane which is 15 mol % substituted phenyl groups and a cross linking agent that is a linear hydrosiloxane with dimethyl substitution. The material in Comparative Example 2 was formulated according to the method described in Example 1, via a two part process. Compound B shown in Table 30 was blended with 50 wt % of compound A. Compound C shown in Table 30 was blended with the remaining 50 wt % of compound A. The two parts were mixed, de-aerated, poured into molds suitable for making test pieces and cured at 150° C. for 1 hour.

TABLE 30 Compound Material A Nusil PLY-7664 (%) 81.70 B PT-L (%) 0.30 C Masil XL-1 (%) 18.00 Specimens were cut from each cured piece and measured for physical properties according to ASTM D2240 and ASTM D 412 (using Die D to cut the pieces and a tensile rate of 20 inch/minute) with the results shown below.

Hardness (Shore 00) 61.8 Tensile strength (psi) 61.42 Elongation (%) 251.2 Toughness (in. lbs/in³) 63.21 Specimens were also examined for heat resistance according to ASTM D 573 and chemical resistance according to ASTM D 471, part 15.4.2 (using Die D). The results are shown in Table 31.

TABLE 31 Heat and Chemical resistance Heat Fuel C Fuel CM 85 Nitric acid Conditions 180° C. 25° C. 25° C. pH 1.0, 85° C. Time (hours) 200 200 200 120 Hardness 78 69 63 71 (Shore 00) Tensile strength 299 117 105 206 retention (%) Elongation 32 74 81 66 retention (%)

The performance properties detailed above describing Comparative Example 2 illustrate that this vinyl terminated phenyl substituted polysiloxane in combination with a cross linking agent that is a linear hydrosiloxane with dimethyl substitution is a soft gel material with inferior strength and toughness compared with Examples 5 to 7. Moreover these properties are observed to deteriorate on exposure of this material to both fuels and acids, indicating polymer degradation.

Example 8

Example 8 represents two formulations in which a blend of a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane and a vinyl terminated phenyl substituted polysiloxane is used in conjunction with the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinker. Encapsulant polymer gels were prepared from blends of a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane, which is 50 mol % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups, and a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane, which is 15 mol % substituted phenyl groups, in different ratios, and the silicon hydrocarbon cross linking agent described above. Materials in Example 8 were formulated according to the method described in Example 1, via a two part process. Compound B shown in Table 32 was blended with 50 wt % each of compounds A. Compound C shown in Table 32 was blended with the remaining 50 wt % each of compounds A. The two parts were mixed, de-aerated, poured into molds suitable for making test pieces and cured at 150° C. for 1 hour.

TABLE 32 Compound Material Ex 8.1 Ex 8.2 A Nusil PLY-7801 (%) 65.36 73.53 Nusil PLY-7664 (%) 16.34 8.17 B PT-L (%) 0.30 0.30 C SC-1 (%) 18.00 18.00 Specimens were cut from each cured piece and measured for physical properties according to ASTM D2240 and ASTM D 412 (using Die D to cut the pieces and a tensile rate of 20 inch/minute) with the results shown below.

Ex 8.1 Ex 8.2 Hardness (Shore 00) 71 64 Tensile strength (psi) 69 64 Elongation (%) 111 185 Toughness (in. lbs/in³) 46 49 Specimens were also examined for heat resistance according to ASTM D 573, 180° C. for 200 hours, with the results shown below.

Ex 8.1 Ex 8.2 Hardness (Shore 00) 81 75 Tensile strength retention (%) 120 132 Elongation retention (%) 45 41 Toughness retention (%) 81 49

The performance properties detailed above describing Example 8 illustrate that blends of vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane and vinyl terminated phenyl substituted polysiloxane in combination with the silicon hydrocarbon crosslinker are gel materials with good strength, flexibility and heat resistance.

Comparative Example 3

A further encapsulant polymer gel was prepared from a blend of a vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane which is 50 mol % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups with a vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted polysiloxane which is 15 mol % substituted with phenyl groups and a cross linking agent that is a linear hydrosiloxane with either dimethyl substitution or 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl substitution. Materials in Comparative Example 3 were formulated according to the method described in Example 1, via a two part process. Compounds B shown in Table 33 was blended with 50 wt % each of compounds A. Compound C shown in Table 33 was blended with the remaining 50 wt % each of compounds A. The two parts were mixed, de-aerated, poured into molds suitable for making test pieces and cured at 150° C. for 1 hour.

TABLE 33 Compound Material CEx 3.1 CEx 3.2 A Nusil PLY-7801 (%) 65.36 65.36 Nusil PLY-7664 (%) 16.34 16.34 B PT-L (%) 0.30 0.30 C Masil XL-1 (%) 18.00 — SMP 9951-22(%) — 18.00 Specimens were cut from each cured piece and measured for physical properties according to ASTM D2240 and ASTM D 412 (using Die D to cut the pieces and a tensile rate of 20 inch/minute with the results shown below.

CEx 3.1 CEx 3.2 Hardness (Shore 00) 51.5 33 Tensile strength (psi) 26.4 16.2 Elongation (%) 134.4 342.4 Toughness (in. lbs/in³) 14 27 Specimens were also examined for heat resistance according to ASTM D 573, 180° C. for 200 hours, with the results shown below.

CEx 3.1 CEx 3.2 Hardness (Shore 00) 84 54.5 Tensile strength retention (%) 256 121 Elongation retention (%) 14 41 Toughness retention (%) 25 17 The performance properties detailed above describing Comparative Example 3 illustrate that blends of vinyl terminated fluorine containing polysiloxane and vinyl terminated phenyl substituted polysiloxane in combination with cross linking agents that are linear hydrosiloxanes with either dimethyl or 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl substitution are soft gel materials with inferior strength, toughness and heat resistance compared with Example 8. 

1. A cross-linkable organosilicon polymer, comprising vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane, vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane and a reactive polysiloxane resin having both reactive carbon-carbon double bonds and silicone hydrogen groups, wherein the reactive polysiloxane resin comprises a silicon hydrocarbon crosslinking agent comprising alternating structures of polycyclic polyene residue and cyclic siloxysilane residue, and wherein a blend of the vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane and the vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane comprises in the range of about 70 wt % to about 99 wt % of the vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane.
 2. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 1, wherein the blend of the vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane and the vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane comprises in the range of about 80 wt % to about 99 wt % of the vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane.
 3. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 1, wherein the vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane comprises in the range of about 20 mole % to about 90 mole % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups.
 4. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 3, wherein the vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane comprises in the range of about 20 mole % to about 60 mole % substituted with 3,3,3-trifluoropropyl groups.
 5. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 1, wherein the blend of the vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane and the vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane comprises in the range of about 1 wt % to about 30 wt % of the vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane.
 6. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 5 wherein the blend of the vinyl terminated fluorine-containing polysiloxane and the vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane comprises in the range of about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane.
 7. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 1, wherein the vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane is in the range of about 1 mole % to about 40 mole % phenyl substituted.
 8. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 7, wherein the vinyl terminated phenyl-substituted siloxane comprises in the range of about 2 mole % to about 20 mole % phenyl substituted.
 9. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 1, comprising in the range of about 1 wt % to about 36 wt % of the silicon hydrocarbon cross-linking agent.
 10. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 9, comprising in the range of about 10 wt % to about 23 wt % of the silicon hydrocarbon cross-linking agent.
 11. An organosilicon polymer as in claims 4, 8 or 10, further comprising a group VIII metal catalyst.
 12. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 11, wherein the group VIII metal catalyst is selected from the group consisting of platinum based compounds, rhodium based compounds, ruthenium based compounds, iridium based compounds, palladium based compounds and mixtures thereof.
 13. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 12, wherein the group VIII metal catalyst is selected from the group consisting of chloroplatinic acid, platinum chloride, dibenzonitrile platinum dichloride, platinum on carbon, platinum on silica, platinum on alumina, olefinic complexes, RhCl(PPh₃)₃, RhCl(CO)(PPh₃)₂, Ru₃(CO)₁₂, IrCl(CO)(PPh₃)₄, Pd(PPh₃)₄, and mixtures thereof.
 14. An organosilicon polymer according to claim 11, wherein the polymer further comprises an additive selected from the group consisting of antioxidants, compatabilizing agents, metallic, mineral and organic fillers, flow control agents, air release agents, adhesion promoters, cure rate modifiers and mixtures thereof.
 15. An electronic sensor module containing the organosilicon polymer of claim 1 as a protective encapsulant. 